This paint-by-number kit was extremely easy to do. All the paints needed were included with mine. It used a simple number system in which one would look at the board for a number, and then match that number with the correspondingly numbered paint bottle. Then one would use that paint only in the patch of board that had that number. This one was particularly easy. I do not remember needing to mix paints. It was pretty straight forward and also a very manageable size for a painting. This is perfect for anyone - particularly kids, those learning to paint, and anyone looking for an easy hobby.